Creamy Spinach & Peas Angel Hair Pasta with Feta
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Spinach & Peas Angel Hair Pasta with Feta, a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe pairs tender angel hair pasta with fresh, crispy spinach, sweet peas, and creamy feta, offering a wonderful balance of flavor and texture. With the fragrant touch of basil and the earthy taste of mushrooms, it's not just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting indulgence. Light yet satisfying, this pasta dish is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, and it's sure to impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti
1 lb (uncooked)
Soft goat cheese or herb cheese spread
1/2 cup (softened)
Skim milk
1/4 cup
Fresh basil or dried basil
1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Chicken broth
1 (13 3/4 ounce) can
Fresh spinach (or a mixture of spinach and arugula)
6 cups (loose, finely shredded)
Frozen peas
1 cup (defrosted)
Fresh mushrooms
3 cups (thinly sliced)
Fresh chives or dried chives
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the soft goat cheese (or herb cheese spread), skim milk, and fresh basil until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Once al dente, drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot.
3
In a separate saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Add the sliced mushrooms and let them simmer for about 2 minutes, uncovered, until they soften slightly.
4
Stir in the defrosted peas and the prepared cheese mixture into the broth and mushrooms. Toss until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
5
While the sauce is warming, prepare the spinach by removing any tough stems. Rinse the leaves thoroughly in cool water to remove any dirt, and drain them well using a salad spinner.
6
Chop the spinach into thin strips and fold them gently into the pasta mixture, allowing the residual heat to wilt the greens.
7
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
8
Divide the creamy pasta among six serving plates, and garnish each serving with freshly sliced chives. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of uncooked angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti.
What kind of cheese makes the sauce creamy?
The sauce is made using 1/2 cup of softened soft goat cheese or herb cheese spread.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it contains chicken broth, but you could substitute vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of loose, finely shredded fresh spinach.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 10g of fat per serving.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
You should thinly slice 3 cups of fresh mushrooms and simmer them in chicken broth for about 2 minutes.
Do I need to cook the peas before adding them?
The 1 cup of frozen peas should be defrosted before being stirred into the broth and cheese mixture.
What type of milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of skim milk.
How much protein does this pasta provide?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
What should I use for a garnish?
Garnish the dish with 1/4 cup of thinly sliced fresh or dried chives.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use arugula instead of spinach?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can use a mixture of fresh spinach and arugula.
How do I ensure the spinach wilts properly?
Fold the chopped spinach gently into the hot pasta mixture; the residual heat will wilt the greens.
What size can of chicken broth is needed?
You will need one 13 3/4 ounce can of chicken broth.
Is it necessary to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Whisk together the soft cheese, skim milk, and basil in a small bowl until smooth.
How should I dry the spinach after rinsing?
The recipe suggests using a salad spinner to drain the spinach well.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The instructions suggest dividing the creamy pasta among six serving plates.
Should the pasta be cooked al dente?
Yes, the instructions state to cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Can I use thin spaghetti if I don't have angel hair?
Yes, thin spaghetti is a recommended alternative to angel hair pasta.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly, easy, and healthy, making it ideal for a quick dinner.
When should I add the cheese mixture to the dish?
Stir the cheese mixture into the saucepan with the simmered mushrooms and broth before tossing with the pasta.
How should the spinach be cut?
The spinach should be chopped into thin strips before being folded into the pasta.
Does the recipe include feta cheese?
While 'Feta' is in the title, the ingredient list specifies soft goat cheese or herb cheese spread; you could likely swap these for feta if preferred.
Is the broth simmered covered or uncovered?
The broth and mushrooms should be simmered uncovered for about 2 minutes.
How do I adjust the final flavor?
Taste the dish at the end and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
What temperature should the dish be served at?
The dish should be served warm.
Is there any preparation needed for the chives?
The fresh chives should be thinly sliced before being used as a garnish.